New restriction on residence visas for Chinese nationals who entered the country with an AVE

The National Directorate of Immigration has stated that Chinese citizens who enter the country with an Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) may not change category to Transient Residents -Visa Art 24 inc h- or Temporary -Art 23 a) or 23 e) – locally. The immigration authorities consider that the AVE has the sole purpose of attracting the tourism of Chinese citizens in the country, therefore those who plan to enter the country and then obtain a temporary residence must previously process a consular work visa in the country of origin.